Of course he thought it was important. Dire, even. It simply could not wait. So, we all waited behind him at the green light while he finished up that super important text.
And then I honked. He was like, "HUH? What? OH!"
And then the light turned yellow. Fortunately for him, he squeezed through the intersection in the nick of time. The rest of us had to wait again.
It could have been worse. He could have killed someone. Because if he texts at stoplights, what's to keep him from texting while stuck in traffic or even on an "open stretch" of road?
It's deceptively easy to kid ourselves that texting while driving is NOT dangerous. Not for you, of course. You're probably remarkably dexterous and a champion multi-tasker. It's only everybody else who sucks at it.
This is why I've intentionally decided to place myself on a texting ban while driving. I just don't trust myself. There are enough distractions while driving (5 of them are in my backseat) without needing to reach for my cell phone every time it pings.
This is because texting is exciting. Me likes it! Me likes to hear the text message ping!
But now I know why. My brain squirts out a little dopamine each time I hear that sound. It's a stinkin' drug!
Which means that texting while driving is very much like drinking and driving.
It's irresponsible, unsafe and recklessly endangers my life and the life of others.
I've already made one rule for myself: no talking on my cell phone while on the freeway. This is Southern California. Our freeways were notoriously dangerous long before texting became popular.
Now I'm adding another rule: before I turn on my car, I will put on my seatbelt and turn off my cell phone ringer.
I have a new little mantra for myself: Nothing I "need" to say is THAT important.
My life and the lives of others are more important.
What do you think? Want to join me?
Put on your seat-belt. Turn off your cell-phone.
Chances are, you'll need to watch out for all the other drivers who didn't!
